I read the following article this morning. Arnie Duncan was interviewed about the impact and future of NCLB. I've attached the link for your review and consideration:
http://www.onpointradio.org/notes-and-updates/2009/03/arne-duncan-no-child-is-toxic/
I think Mr. Duncan makes some good points during his interview, but NCLB's problems go far deeper than simply "rebranding." There is nothing inherently offensive about the name or the mission of NCLB (in fact, I rather like the name), but I think we can all agree that the means are fundamentally flawed. Arbitrary performance based standards at the expense of content or comprehension are not the answer. This was especially evident during the last two weeks when hundreds of schools across the country simply stopped teaching in order to focus on their statewide standardized assessments.
http://www.onpointradio.org/notes-and-updates/2009/03/arne-duncan-no-child-is-toxic/
I think Mr. Duncan makes some good points during his interview, but NCLB's problems go far deeper than simply "rebranding." There is nothing inherently offensive about the name or the mission of NCLB (in fact, I rather like the name), but I think we can all agree that the means are fundamentally flawed. Arbitrary performance based standards at the expense of content or comprehension are not the answer. This was especially evident during the last two weeks when hundreds of schools across the country simply stopped teaching in order to focus on their statewide standardized assessments.
In any event, read the article and let me know what you think.
Is Mr. Duncan on the right track?
Posts
1 comment:
No child should be left behind. Every child can and should learn. The premise is a good one and in that NCLB holds schools and districts accountable for the success of all children it has good intentions. Where it falls short is in how that success is defined and measured and how schools are unequally punished and rewarded for artificial "failures" and gains. We must move away from standardized tests, which by definition are normed to always have portion who will fail, to a system that measures how students can demonstrate the ability to navigate the real world.
Post a Comment